Happy Birthday Madiba - July 2012

Happy 94th Birthday Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite extreme provocation, he never answered racism with racism. His life has been an inspiration, in South Africa and throughout the world, to all who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation. Mr Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. We are all challenged today to give 67 minutes of our time today to serve others. We can all make a difference in South African and the world, we can lead and influence the lives of others positively to create an awesome future!

Mandela day is an opportunity to recognise our leaders who are living the example set by Mr Mandela and how they are shaping the nation. Prof Jonathan is one such leader and we share with you his article "Politicians must stay out of it". The second article by Moray Comrie writes about Iris Francis, a courageous woman leader.

So we encourage all to visit the Mandela Day website www.mandeladay.com and enjoy your 67 minutes of giving.

Regards

The Awesome SA Team

Politicians must stay out of it

This article was written by Prof Jonathan Jansen and first appeared on Times Live - www.timeslive.co.za.

On any given school holiday, in the middle of Masiphumelele, you are likely to find a group of older white youth helping talented black pupils to prepare them for matric examinations and the beginning of university.

If you Strike a Woman, you Strike a Rock

This article was written by Moray Comrie and first appeared in Ripple Effect - www.rippleweb.co.za.

One of the cornerstones of our constitution is the principle of non-sexism. As with other inequalities inherited from the past, it is an ideal that has to be worked for. In many communities men are still dominant. Not only are women treated as inferior, but they are often the victims of abuse, sometimes psychological or emotional but often brutally physical.

Mandela Day

Wednesday 18th of July is Mandela Day. A day which celebrates the birth of Nelson Mandela and the life of this incredible man. It is our opportunity to follow the example he has set for the rest of the world. A day to act, to take a step towards changing the world, one small step at a time.

Drunk on Democracy

My aging mom shares a birthday with Nelson Mandela. On thinking about buying her a birthday present for the 18th July, my thoughts turned to Nelson Mandela and the sacrifices he (and many others) made for freedom over the years. My thoughts then turned to Camus, the Algerian born author, journalist, and philosopher, who was awarded the 1957 Nobel Prize for Literature. Camus was the first African-born writer to receive this Nobel Prize and he once said: “Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.”

You're Awesome, Living A Fulfilled Life

Looking for a meaningful and life changing gift? Written by Di Smith, photography by Terrence (Mzi) Mtola and foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.You're Awesome, living a fulfilled lifeis visually and textually, one of the highest-quality products that South Africa has produced in Youre Awsome Cover Mar 2011a-2 Final Coverrecent times.

Do we want to see change? Is it possible that the missing link isn't a change in government, or commerce, or sports coaches - in "them" and their behaviour - but a change in you and me and the way we live our lives?

Glen Lewington from SAFM had this to say about the book -
"The title You're Awesome - that is basically the feeling you get when you close the book. You do feel like you can change the world."

Awesome South Africa

Looking for a fun and inspiring gift which will bring laughter to the receiver then Awesome South Africa will be sure to leave a lasting memory.

The book is filled with fun, facts and trivia and captures the heart and souls of the nation. South Africans have a tremendous sense of humour and this is the reason the book is proving to be so popular and has sold over 35 000 copies to date.
Described by Mike Wills on Cape Talk Radio as a terrific publication that's quirky and offbeat with both positive fun and serious stuff which is not just cheer and a lot of upbeat stuff but also has a lot of realism".

Both books are available in bookstores countrywide or Order on-line on the Awesome SA website.